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Thap Doi (Twin tower). Photo D.T.D |
In a seminar on strengthening the value of the system of Cham towers in Binh Dinh held in late 2006, Cham towers are suggested to be recognized as the world cultural heritage.
Criteria
With proven value, the system of Cham towers in central Binh Dinh province could meet criteria for being recognized as the world cultural heritage.
Binh Dinh’s Cham towers comprise of both traditional and modern value, creating distinctive features, according to Le Dinh Phung, Vietnam Archaeology Institute.
The system of Cham towers in Binh Dinh is fully deserving of the recognition of the world cultural heritage, said Bui Chi Hoang, the Institute for Southern Region Sustainable Development.
In early 2007, Binh Dinh Province People’s Committee assigned functional bodies to compile necessary documents to submit to the government as the foundation to ask UNESCO to recognize the system of Cham towers in Binh Dinh as a world heritage site.
This is necessary because it will require a long-term plan for the restoration of Cham towers.
Also, the province could also call on the domestic and overseas support for the archaeological excavation and restoration of Cham towers.
Towards the target of the world cultural heritage
The province’s cultural and tourism sector could benefit from the recognition of Cham towers as the world cultural heritage, let alone positive effects on the social-economic field. Other world cultural heritages, such as My Son, Hoi An, and Hue ancient city, clearly showed these advantages.
The preparation for the submission also requires a lot of effort. It took many years, for example, to compile necessary documents for the recognition of Hue ancient city as the world cultural heritage.
The Conservation Centre for Co Loa and Hanoi citadels on January 19 submitted documentation to the UNESCO to apply for the recognition of the Thang Long Royal Citadel Site as a World Heritage Site. But the authorities had spent two years to prepare for the documents.
“It is necessary to start a full study on the system of Cham towers in Binh Dinh,” said Hoang. “The preparation for the set of documents on Cham towers also requires the support from international organisations.”
The planning for Cham towers restoration must be carried out in the coming time, which is one of important factors for the recognition of Cham towers as world heritage site.
My Son was recognized as the world cultural heritage in 1999 thanks to some important criteria, including a typical example of cultural exchange and the only proof of the lost Asian civilization.
The system of Cham towers in Binh Dinh must, therefore, show their unique features when being submitted to UNESCO to recognize it as a world heritage site.
The system of Cham towers in the central Binh Dinh province, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Van Doanh, member of National Heritage Council, comprises of both civil and religious features. Most importantly, it also has visible vestiges.
Another important issue is that it needs to hold a seminar on the system of Binh Dinh’s Cham towers in the future.
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